Vote 2020 - Election Special

Dana Point Times October 9-15, 2020

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— 2020 —

Presidential Primer

BY ZACH CAVANAGH The 2020 Presidential Election has been labeled one of the most important in American history, and it has also certainly proved to be one of the more contentious races in recent memory. To help sort through the noise, we’ve outlined the views of Republican nominee and incumbent President Donald Trump and his challenger, Democratic nominee and former Vice President Joe Biden, on two of the major issues in this cycle amid the ongoing pandemic. Libertarian candidate Jo Jorgensen and Green Party candidate Howie Hawkins will also be listed on the ballot.

C O R O N AV I R U S TRUMP:

ELECTION DAY VOTER GUIDE

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he Presidential General Election is now less than four weeks away. While the whirlwind of the political news cycle can be simultaneously enticing and draining, it’s equally important that voters match their energy and attention for the presidential bid toward local races.

This year, Dana Point will learn who will be representing Districts 4 and 5 for the first time since the city transitioned from at-large elections to districted races. These districts include the Lantern District and Doheny Village—both areas with enormous potential for future development, enhanced vibrancy and culture.

The 73rd Assembly seat will be filled by a newcomer after Assemblymember Bill Brough’s upset in the March primary. Voters will determine whether the seat will remain Republican with Laurie Davies, as it has been historically, or whether Scott Rhinehart will pave the way for Democrats.

In the 49th Congressional race, incumbent Rep. Mike Levin (D-CA) will defend his seat against Republican challenger Brian Maryott, a sitting councilmember for San Juan Capistrano.

Voters will also be choosing our leaders to represent us on the boards for South Coast Water District, the Municipal Water District of Orange County,

and Capistrano Unified School District. These legislative bodies have impacts on our environment, determine where and how we get our water, how much we pay our teachers and what kind of teaching experience our students will benefit from in the classroom.

The deadline to register to vote is Oct. 19. Just like in this year’s Primary Election, voters will have three options when it comes to casting their votes. Voters have a choice of returning their ballot to the Orange County Registrar of Voters’ office via mail, taking it to a metal drop box or delivering it to a vote center.

Dana Point Times October 9-15, 2020

The more than 100 drop boxes around the county will open starting on Oct. 5 and close at 8 p.m. the day of the election on Nov. 3.

According to the Registrar’s office, voters will be able track their vote through ocvote.com/track.

While the act of voting is a keystone of civic duty, we ask that constituents go beyond just voting.

Vote based on thorough research.

Vote upon knowing the facts from trusted sources. Vote upon being informed and educated on the issues.

Thank you for trusting Dana Point Times as your source for local news you can use.

The Trump campaign has praised the actions that the current administration has taken over the course of the pandemic. In a document released by the White House on Aug. 10, the administration listed these as the key takeaways from Trump’s response to the pandemic: “Took early action to cut off travel from China; Built the world’s leading testing system from nothing; Enacted mitigation measures to slow the spread; mobilized public and private sectors to secure needed supplies; Took action to protect vulnerable Americans; Launched effort to deliver a vaccine and therapeutics in record time; Provided support to workers and businesses; Paved way for reopening to get America working again; Surged resources to hotspots as they arose; Confronted China as origin of the virus while Democrats and media cowered.” Trump announced on Oct. 1 that he, along with First Lady Melania Trump, had tested positive for COVID-19.

BIDEN:

The Biden campaign focused on what its response to the pandemic would be should he take office. The campaign said Biden would listen to science, ensure public health decisions are informed by public health professionals and restore trust, transparency, common purpose and accountability to the government. The campaign website also outlined a seven-point plan for public health and economic recovery, points that include giving all Americans access to regular, reliable and free testing; fixing personal protective equipment problems; providing resources for schools, small businesses and families; effective and equitable distribution of treatments and vaccines; “rebuild and expand the defenses that Trump has dismantled to predict, prevent and mitigate pandemic threats”; and implement local mask mandates nationwide.

H E A LT H C A R E TRUMP:

The Republican campaign states that Trump has fought to increase access to affordable health care. The campaign website says, “As part of the landmark Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, President Trump repealed the individual mandate, which forced people to buy expensive insurance and taxed those who couldn’t afford it.” Trump also signed a six-year extension to Children’s Health Insurance Program to fund health care for nine million, the campaign says. With a hearing on Nov. 10, the Trump Administration, along with 18 Republican state attorneys general, are also asking the Supreme Court to deem the Affordable Care Act unconstitutional.

BIDEN:

The Democratic campaign has proposed building on the Affordable Care Act (ACA), also known as “Obamacare.” Biden’s campaign website argues that the ACA has assuaged more than 100 million people who “no longer have to worry that an insurance company will deny coverage or charge higher premiums just because they have a pre-existing condition.” Biden’s campaign said that instead of tearing down the existing ACA or not allowing private insurance, the Democratic nominee would expand the ACA by providing more choices, reducing health care costs and making the health care system less complex.

D E B AT E S C H E D U L E These issues, the candidates’ records and much more were scheduled to be contended over the course of late September and October in three presidential debates and one vice presidential debate.

Incumbent Vice President Mike Pence, Trump’s Republican running mate, was set to square off with California Senator Kamala Harris, Biden’s Democratic running mate, in the vice presidential debate on Wednesday, Oct. 7, in Salt Lake City.

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Following a contentious first debate on Sept. 29, Trump and Biden were scheduled to return to the debate stage in a town hall format on Oct. 15 in Miami. However, Trump’s positive coronavirus test and subsequent quarantine have put the status of this debate in question.

The two presidential candidates were also scheduled to debate a third and final time on Oct. 22 in Nashville. danapointtimes.com

The Race for City Council Leading up to the Dana Point City Council election on Tuesday, Nov. 3, Dana Point Times will be publishing six questions, one each week, answered by the candidates who qualified for the ballot. This year, the seats for Districts 4 and 5 are up for election. To view previous answers, visit danapointtimes.com.

QUESTION 6 \ With state directives ordering business closures throughout the coronavirus pandemic, both Dana Point businesses and residents are seeing the consequences. What is your plan to remedy the economic impacts stemming from COVID-19?

District 4 MIKE FROST Dana Point’s economy, including City revenue, has been hit hard. In Fiscal Years (FY) 2020-2021, the City has a shortfall in tax revenue due to COVID-19 of approximately $10 million, representing approximately 12% of the two-year budget. Our efforts to meet this gap in revenue have been a combination of leveraging the existing balance sheet (reserves) and cutting expenditures, each representing approximately 50% of that gap.

Our total reserve balance will be $19 million at the end of this FY, which is roughly 48% of our total yearly revenue, and exceeds the generally accepted minimum municipal reserve balance of 17% of revenue. Moving forward, Dana Point remains financially well positioned and will remedy the impact in three ways.

First, strategically, we continue to develop the Dana Point brand, primarily consisting of a laid-back beach community with fantastic music and surf festivals and a touch of sophisticated art. Equally important, a comprehensive message of

health, safety, and consistent protocols will help us differentiate from other communities when competing for tourism and sales-tax dollars.

Second, operationally, we remove bureaucratic policies and help our small business community overcome the challenges of over-regulation in California.

The City has already implemented some of these measures, including outdoor dining, which I would advocate for extending well beyond COVID-19.

Third, and as a member on the current financial review committee, we continue to intelligently cut expenditures to meet existing shortfalls, and these cost-saving measures may be appropriate to continue. Nearly every line item in the budget has received some deduction, and this will be the new baseline moving forward.

Often, a city or an organization needs a difficult financial situation to be the catalyst for internal analysis and improvement. As your District 4 Councilmember, we will continue to define this situation as an opportunity to improve our economic strategy, enhance policies to help local business, and identify efficiencies to cut unnecessary spending. mikefrostfordanapoint.com

GARY NEWKIRK Like everyone, I’d love to wave a magic wand and make the pandemic, along with its economic impacts, disappear. Unfortunately, that is not reality. As your Councilman, however, I will work with agencies at the County, State and Federal level, our businesses and residents to mitigate as much damage as we can.

COVID-19 didn’t come with a road map, and neither will economic recovery.

Solutions will come from collaborative efforts between agencies and stakeholders, pursuing new ideas with open minds.

This is where my experience working with diverse, non-partisan groups will be helpful. I’ve never cared what position you play. It’s more important to recognize that we’re all on the same team, struggling to find answers to keep our families safe and our finances, businesses and economy intact.

First, we need to continue to liaise closely with County, State and Federal

agencies, keeping up on available financial assistance for our city, businesses and constituents, relaying that information quickly, and removing roadblocks and smoothing access where we can help. Secondly, we need to work closely with our hotels and businesses, entertaining all reasonable requests that will help to save these sectors, easing restrictions or even amending policies or codes where necessary. The City plays a vital role as advocate for its business sector, rallying residents to support our local economy while encouraging businesses to reassure customers of their safety as they do so.

Ultimately, people who don’t feel safe, don’t shop or dine out. I’d like to work with our businesses to create reasonable safeguards that consumers can be assured will be honored. This pandemic may be with us for many more months.

Everything we can do to entice people to participate locally will help our economy, businesses and residents to survive and thrive.

Please visit newkirk4dp.com.

District 5 BENJAMIN BEBEE I think that it is going to be imperative that we diligently seek any and all state or federal funding and assistance that is available throughout the coronavirus pandemic. I will work to find funding vital to keeping our local businesses operating until we can get back to some semblance of normalcy. I will deliver the persistence and tenacity that are going to be necessary to navigate the myriad opportunities ahead. I will bring creative, forwardthinking ideas to troubleshoot the unique challenges created in the wake of COVID-19.

As I mentioned in past articles, the commercial sector is seeing gains in online sales as a result of the global pandemic, and we could focus on this as a possible stopgap measure while the pandemic persists. Virtual tourism, or Dana Point Times October 9-15, 2020

online farmers markets, may be a unique way to recapture some of the dollars that will be missing from the local economy this year. I expect that we will have to find multiple outside-the- box ways to create revenue over the next couple of years, and I am confident that together we can rise to the challenge.

I feel confident that Dana Point will weather the current economic storm and be stronger for having done so. This global pandemic has highlighted some areas of opportunity for the nation as a whole, and our community is no different. The true measure of our character will be how we respond to this unprecedented event and where we go from here. I would be honored to lead Dana Point into the future. It has been a privilege to be nominated for Dana Point City Council, and I hope to be your choice at the polls on November 3, 2020.

IAFF Local 3631 endorses Benjamin Bebee for city council. bebee4capobeach.com

MICHAEL VILLAR There is no doubt this pandemic has impacted our local economy. This is an unprecedented time that will require innovative ideas and the involvement of all community stakeholders. While tourism has provided a lucrative revenue source that accounts for almost a third of our city’s revenue, it is also an industry that is one of the first to be hit during times of recession or uncertainty—and, often, one of the slowest to recover. It took almost five years for Dana Point’s TOT revenue to recover to levels experienced before the 2008 recession. I suspect the economic recovery from the pandemic may be similarly protracted.

Dana Point has always been known for its quaint shops, restaurants, bars, and businesses. All of these small businesses make up favorite spots for our locals and enhance the experience of visitors to our Page 11

beach town. Many of our residents own or work at these local businesses, and their lives have been turned upside down in recent months with layoffs and closures. I will do everything I can to help in the recovery of our local economy while keeping our residents safe.

Fortunately, Dana Point has good cash reserves to weather the storm, but it will also be necessary to take a sharp pencil to budgets to avoid ongoing deficits and to make plans to replenish reserves needed for future economic impacts or emergencies. A concentrated and united effort needs to be made to help businesses and individuals recover as quickly as possible. I look forward to working with business owners, residents, my fellow city councilmembers and all of the city staff as we address this challenge and strengthen our fiscal model so that our city is not only able to recover, but to thrive.

Please visit my website villarfordanapoint.com. danapointtimes.com

73rd District Will See a Newcomer to State Assembly

BY LILLIAN BOYD

For the first time in three terms, the 73rd District Assembly seat will be filled by one of two newcomers to the State Legislature. Scott Rhinehart, a Democrat, and Laurie Davies, a Republican, will face off on Tuesday, Nov. 3.

Scott Rhinehart

Democrat It was the year 1978 when Scott Rhinehart was crossing the Golden Gate Bridge and heard the car radio report that Harvey Milk, the first openly gay elected official in the history of California, had been assassinated.

That evening, Rhinehart attended a candlelight vigil that attracted thousands at city hall. Rhinehart says the tragedy played a pivotal role in the launch of his activism, which was emboldened by the HIV/AIDS epidemic. But the foundation of Rhinehart’s politics arguably was formed throughout his childhood, with his father’s involvement in labor organizing.

“I was born into a working-class family in a small, coal-mining town in eastern Utah,” Rhinehart said. “My uncle was killed in a mine, and that led my dad toward labor organizing. I was raised in a union home, and my dad was involved with one of the first unions of this nation. I learned about the power in organizing and the importance of giving those who don’t have a voice, a voice.”

Now, Rhinehart is vying for the 73rd California Assembly seat as a Democrat, just as he did unsuccessfully in the 2018 race. Then, he faced incumbent Assemblymember Bill Brough, who secured the seat for a third term and beat Rhinehart by nearly eight percentage points.

However, in 2019, Brough faced a series of sexual misconduct allegations brought against him and was subsequently unseated for a fourth term during the March Primary Dana Point Times October 9-15, 2020

Election. Laguna Niguel Mayor Laurie Davies, a Republican, took the majority of the votes with 27.3%, followed by Rhinehart, who took in 23.8%--qualifying them for the general election. There were five candidates total (three Democrats and two Republicans).

Rhinehart’s platform calls for a singlepayer Medicare system in the state and the prioritizing of funding for education.

“We are the fifth-largest economy in the world, and yet we are the 41st state in per-pupil-spending,” Rhinehart said. “In the Assembly, I will prioritize educational funding from Pre-K to our community and state colleges and universities. We must ensure our teachers are always supported, and our students have the resources and opportunities to thrive.”

Since the state shutdown in response to COVID-19, Rhinehart says that his campaigning efforts have had to adapt but that the pandemic has reinforced his beliefs.

“Grandmas and grandpas shouldn’t have to die. The number of deaths we’ve seen and the inadequate response . . . we need to learn from this pandemic and be prepared,” Rhinehart said. “We can take these lessons and apply it to climate change. We need to be prepared.”

If previous elections are any indication of this year’s voter results, Rhinehart faces an uphill battle at the polls. In the 73rd District, there are 121,963 registered Republican voters, compared to the 86,027 voters registered as Democrats.

Davies also is leading Rhinehart in fundraising dollars, having raised $257,353.63 in 230 contributions. Rhinehart has so far raised $197,428.74 in 319 contributions.

Rhinehart counters that a Democrat in the 73rd district seat would better serve constituents, considering the state’s supermajority.

“We live in a state that is Democratic; our Senate and Assembly are Democrat.

Who will be more likely to bring in new jobs, more sources of funding since we are a donor state, who is going to be successful in leveraging that money back to us?

It’s time for all people in the 73rd to be represented in Sacramento, not just for special interests to be represented.”

Laurie Davies

Republican Laurie Davies says she can thank her parents for instilling within her the value of hard work—the work ethic that pushed her to attend college full-time while waitressing nights and weekends, start her own business and embark on a career in politics.

After graduating, she relocated to Orange County, where she worked as the general manager for two restaurants and went on to handle the events at the private Monarch Bay Beach Club in Dana Point.

In 2000, Davies started her own event planning business, Five Star Wedding & Events, which she still operates today.

Being a small business owner, Davies said she knows firsthand the toll that COVID-19 has had on the economy.

“As a small business owner, my business has taken a halt . . . as an event planner, you plan in advance. Basically everything is canceled. But it’s looking positive; it’s going to be a very busy year next year.”

As Mayor of Laguna Niguel, Davies says she constantly gets calls from people who are worried about how the pandemic is shaping their lives.

“As mayor, it’s devastating when people are calling me about how COVID is impacting them and they don’t know what to do. To hear the pain in their voices, that’s the hardest part,” Davies said.

Davies says she’s had to think outside the box when it comes to campaigning and fundraising.

“You have to be willing to try something new,” Davies said. “We took advantage of Zoom to build those relationships, and it’s worked.”

With both houses in the legislature having a Democrat supermajority, Dana Point Times asked Davies how she anticipated working across the aisle to best represent the interests of the 73rd District.

“I’ve always been someone who likes to build relationships, building trust, listening,” Davies said. “I’m one that likes to solve problems. We’ve got a lot in common.”

During her time in office, Davies has served as a director on the Transportation

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Corridor Agencies, chaired the League of Cities Committee on Transportation, Communication and Public Works, and was elected to the Orange County Transportation Authority.

Some San Clemente voters are weary of associations with the TCA, after a long history of contention the city has had with the agency over a proposed toll road being built through the area.

In March, TCA officials confirmed that out of all of the proposals for South County traffic relief, an arterial, un-tolled road—also known as the Los Patrones extension—would be the sole alternative that staff would pursue. The action formally removed the possibility of extending the 241 Toll Road through San Clemente.

TCA is now collaborating with Caltrans and OCTA to advance plans of having the high occupancy vehicle (HOV) lane on the I-5 extend from Avenida Pico to the San Diego County line, as well as complete the project to widen Ortega Highway in San Juan Capistrano.

“OCTA and TCA came together and listened to the people. Listen, no matter where you are, mobility is important.

In the case of a disaster, to me that was always my first priority,” Davies said. “I would not put a toll road through a city; I think we’re going to see these three measures have some good results. It comes down to listening to residents, developers and stakeholders.”

Davies says her top priorities, if elected, are to help small businesses and to repeal early release for felons.

“Small businesses make up our community. I will work toward creating business-friendly laws and work toward repealing Assembly Bill (AB) 5,” Davies said. “Safety is a priority. When there is early release for repeat offenders, we are putting residents at risk and having impact on homelessness.”

While speaking with voters, Davies emphasizes the importance of learning about propositions on the ballot, in addition to the candidates.

“COVID has made all of us have to stop; we’re paying attention more,” Davies said. “But I really believe the blindfolds have been taken off. I’m seeing what my kids are being taught, I’m seeing what the governor is doing and how businesses are closing. People are waking up, and no matter how they’re going to vote, they’re going to be a lot more informed. We’ll just have to wait and see the results after Nov. 3.”

The 73rd Assembly District stretches from the coast to the Santa Ana Mountains, and includes cities of Dana Point, San Clemente and San Juan Capistrano. danapointtimes.com

Dana Point Times October 9-15, 2020

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49TH CONGRESSIONAL CANDIDATES DISCUSS

Pandemic Business Relief, San Onofre Waste Removal Brian Maryott (Republican)

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Rep. Mike Levin (Democrat)

By Collin Breaux emocratic incumbent Mike Levin and Republican challenger Brian Maryott are facing off in the race for the 49th Congressional District, which covers portions of Orange and San Diego counties.

Levin and Maryott faced off earlier this year in the primary election, where Levin won overall with 56.6% of votes, compared to Maryott’s 43.4%.

Maryott—currently a San Juan Capistrano City Councilmember—fared better in Orange County, where he picked up 53.51% of votes, compared to Levin’s 46.49%.

The two candidates addressed a slew of issues heading into the general election, including challenges from the COVID-19 pandemic, environmental concerns and protests against police brutality.

Levin said he has fought for working families and local small businesses during the health crisis, and his office assisted local small business owners and workers who needed help with federal programs.

“Working with colleagues on both sides of the aisle, we’ve provided enhanced unemployment insurance, nutrition assistance, rental support and eviction moratoriums, and direct stimulus payments for those most in need,” Levin said. “I fought to improve the Paycheck Protection Program so that more mom-and-pop businesses here in our district received assistance and kept employees on their payrolls.”

Maryott said state government has stood in the way of small and medium-sized business owners, while major corporations were allowed to remain open, and that employers of all sizes are going to require short-term payroll tax relief and protection from COVIDrelated liability.

“In Congress, I will fight to further drop tax brackets for our low- and moderate-income earners, and make the doubling of the child tax credit and standard deduction permanent for our families,” Maryott said. “I will lead an effort to supercharge opportunity zones to attract investment in the district, and I will work collaboratively with either a Trump or Biden administration to leverage federal dollars in our communities.”

Levin said pressing issues he tackled over the past two years included radioactive waste at San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station, raw sewage from the Tijuana River Valley and erosion of coastal bluffs. He introduced legislation that would expedite the removal of nuclear waste from decommissioned plants in areas with high population density and a seismic hazard, such as from San Onofre.

“We’re also seeing coastal bluffs erode and collapse throughout our district, threatening lives and property,” Levin said. “That’s why I was proud to successfully secure $505,000 from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to stabilize the bluffs in San Clemente, and another $400,000 in federal funding for the Planning, Engineering & Design (PED) phase of the Encinitas-Solana Beach Coastal Storm Damage Reduction Project.”

Maryott said he will join other California Representatives as part of legislation to restart the development of the Yucca Mountain Repository. Maryott said he additionally supports commercial providers developing interim storage solutions, since potential profit “may be the exact motivation” the area needs to get San Onofre waste off the beach.

“Importantly, I will also work to oppose efforts to try and overhaul our energy system by government control and government mandate,” Maryott said. “This means opposing the Green New Deal, which if enacted, would quite simply destroy our way of life. Mike Dana Point Times October 9-15, 2020

Levin is a co-sponsor of this naïve manifesto, joining with AOC and other members of his Progressive Caucus. It is extreme and dangerous, and putting it forward as a serious proposal is unhelpful to the dialogue.”

The candidates also gave their perspectives on the national racial reckoning that arose after the deaths of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor. Levin supports law enforcement and criminal justice system legislation that prohibits racial, religious, and discriminatory profiling; bans chokeholds and no-knock warrants at the federal level; limits the transfer of unnecessary militarygrade equipment to local police; expands the use of dashboard cameras and body cameras; and establishes a National Police Misconduct Registry.

Levin said the majority of police officers are honorable people, and he does not support defunding the police.

“However, I do support more funding for community policing programs to improve relations between law enforcement and communities of color, as well as funding to diversify police departments,” Levin said.

“I also will continue to advocate for greater investments in our social services and programs to lift up underserved communities.”

At the federal level, Maryott said he supports proper resources that allow communities to do the best and most thorough job possible of vetting new hires, training, and holding police officers accountable for their conduct on a daily basis. Maryott does not support defunding or reimagining policing.

“I will not abandon our officers and any hope for safe communities here in our district,” Maryott said. “I will not vote to end qualified immunity. I enjoy this protection, as does Rep. Levin. We need to retain our best police officers, not strip them and their families of the needed peace of mind

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that helps them cope with a very stressful and demanding job.”

Levin and Maryott also addressed health care and other topics. On health care, Levin said everyone in the district should have access to affordable, quality health care, and nobody should have to choose to pay for rent or groceries, instead of seeing a doctor or paying for a prescription.

“I’ll continue to work to strengthen the Affordable Care Act and maintain protections for preexisting conditions that some are fighting to eliminate,” Levin said.

Maryott said he will diligently oppose attempts to have the government running health care.

“Through a robust private health care and health care insurance industry, we can provide choices and peace of mind to everyone in our communities, and never lose sight of the physically/financially vulnerable or anyone with preexisting conditions,” Maryott said. “We are a wealthy and dynamic enough country to have it all.

We are not Great Britain—and we should never, ever socialize our health care system. It’s a life-and-death issue.”

As for military and veteran issues, Levin said he introduced the Homeless Veteran Coronavirus Response Act to expand and strengthen Department of Veterans Affairs services for homeless veterans after the pandemic began, and he is concerned about reports that veterans are seeing delays in prescription deliveries as part of recent publicized troubles with the Postal Service.

Maryott said he supports strong and predictable military spending, and will “strenuously debate” the Progressive Caucus on their “naïve ideas” about the world we live in and the “enormity of what we are asking from our servicemen and servicewomen around the world.” danapointtimes.com

Statewide Ballot Measures Proposition 14: Authorizes Bonds Continuing Stem Cell Research This initiative, if passed, would authorize $5.5 billion in state bonds to primarily fund additional grants supporting stem cell research and development of treatments, construction for research facilities and administrative costs. Of those funds, $1.5 billion would be dedicated toward research on brain-related and central nervous system diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease.

Proposition 15: Increases Funding Sources for Public Schools, Community Colleges and Local Government Services by Changing Tax Assessment of Commercial and Industrial Property If passed, commercial and industrial properties would be taxed based on current market value rather than purchase price.

The change would be put in place by 2022, or 2025 for properties that meet certain rules or have 50 or fewer employees. The increase in property taxes on commercial properties worth more than $3 million is expected to provide $6.5 billion to $11.5 billion in new funding for local governments and schools.

Proposition 16: Allows Diversity as a Factor in Public Employment, Education and Contracting Decisions This measure aims to repeal Proposition 209, eliminating a ban on state and local entities from considering race, sex, color, ethnicity or national origin in public education, public employees and public contracting. If passed, state and local entities would be allowed to establish a range of policies and programs that remain consistent with federal and state laws on equal protection.

$5.5 billion in state bonds to primarily fund additional grants supporting stem cell research and development of treatments, construction for research facilities and administrative costs. Of those funds, $1.5 billion would be dedicated toward research on brain-related and central nervous system diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease.

Proposition 15: Increases Funding Sources for Public Schools, Community Colleges and Local Government Services by Changing Tax Assessment of Commercial and Industrial Property If passed, commercial and industrial properties would be taxed based on current market value rather than purchase price.

The change would be put in place by 2022, or 2025 for properties that meet certain rules or have 50 or fewer employees. The increase in property taxes on commercial properties worth more than $3 million is expected to provide $6.5 billion to $11.5 billion in new funding for local governments and schools.

Proposition 16: Allows Diversity as a Factor in Public Employment, Education and Contracting Decisions This measure aims to repeal Proposition 209, eliminating a ban on state and local entities from considering race, sex, color, ethnicity or national origin in public education, public employees and public contracting. If passed, state and local entities would be allowed to establish a range of policies and programs that remain consistent with federal and state laws on equal protection.

Constituents in San Clemente will also vote on three Board of Trustees seats for the South Orange County Community College District, which comprises a total of seven members who are elected at-large to four-year terms.

The district, representing more than 900,000 residents in 26 communities, oversees Saddleback College, Irvine Valley College and the Advanced Technology & Education Park.

This November, the seats for Areas 1, 6 and 7 are up election. The city of Irvine is represented in both Areas 1 and 6, which also includes Lake Forest. Area 7 represents both Mission Viejo and Rancho Santa Margarita.

Four candidates—Helen Lock, a retired administrative manager; Carolyn Inmon, a retired teacher; Aarti Kaushal, a teacher and city commissioner; and Matt Waid, a student conduct investigator—are vying for the Area 1 seat.

In the Area 6 race, there are two candidates—Ryan Dack, an educator, who is challenging the incumbent, James R. Wright, for the seat.

And in Area 7, three candidates, including one incumbent, are running for the seat. Mo Entezampour, a college professor, and Sean Gawne, a retired training manager, are looking to unseat incumbent Timothy Jemal, who currently serves as the board’s vice president.

Proposition 17: Restores Right to Vote After Completion of Prison Term Formerly incarcerated people who were disqualified from voting during their prison sentence would have their voting rights restored upon completion of their prison term, should this measure pass.

By allowing such individuals to register to vote, they could also be eligible to run for elective office, as long as they meet existing qualifications such as not having been convicted of perjury or bribery.

Proposition 17: Restores Right to Vote After Completion of Prison Term Formerly incarcerated people who were disqualified from voting during their prison sentence would have their voting rights restored upon completion of their prison term, should this measure pass.

By allowing such individuals to register to vote, they could also be eligible to run for elective office, as long as they meet existing qualifications such as not having been convicted of perjury or bribery.

Proposition 18: Amends California Constitution to Permit 17-Year-Olds to Vote in Primary and Special Elections if They Will Turn 18 by the Next General Election and to Be Otherwise Eligible to Vote Seventeen-year-olds who will be 18 years old by the November date of a General Election would be allowed to vote in any Special or Primary Election occurring before the General Election if the measure passes. Because registered voters are allowed to run for elective office, passage of this measure would give such qualifying 17-year-olds the opportunity to do so as well.

Proposition 14: Authorizes Bonds Continuing Stem Cell Research This initiative, if passed, would authorize

For a complete description of all propositions that will be included on this year’s general election ballot, visit danapointtimes.com.

Dana Point Times October 9-15, 2020

South Orange County Community College District Governing Board Races

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The proposed Doheny Ocean Desalination Project in Dana Point has been a major project and priority for South Coast Water District. SCWD has overseen a smallerscale desalination facility in Dana Point since 2008. Photo: Adam Gilles

Five Candidates Running for Three Seats on South Coast Water District Board

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By Lillian Boyd, Dana Point Times his year could be the last atlarge election for South Coast Water District (SCWD).

The SCWD will hold its election for three available seats on Tuesday, Nov. 3— without any implementation of districts.

On Jan. 14, SCWD received a letter from the Law Offices of Phillip B. Greer, expressing concern that voting for SCWD’s at-large system appears to be racially polarized. The letter argues that this results in minority vote dilution and is a violation of the California Voting Rights Act of 2001.

“The Voting Rights Act disfavors the use of ‘at-large’ voting since this method allows voters in an entire jurisdiction to elect candidates to all open seats,” the letter states. “I refer you to Sanchez v Modesto (2006).”

The letter asserts that at-large elections “dilute and impair minority voters and their ability to elect candidates more representative of their neighborhoods.”

Latinos make up nearly 18% of the Dana Dana Point Times October 9-15, 2020

Point population, nearly 37% of the San Juan Capistrano population and nearly 17% of the San Clemente population. According to Greer, not a single Latino has been elected to the Board of Directors in the past 20 years.

On Feb. 27, the board of directors instructed legal counsel to meet with Greer in attempt to negotiate a settlement.

A resolution stemming from the meeting was brought back to the board, and on April 23, the board approved the settlement. The settlement documents require two processes. One relates to the CVRA process leading to By-Division Elections; the other relates to evaluating whether a feasible pathway exists to overcome the asserted “disenfranchisement” of certain District customers who are ineligible to vote in District elections.

The CVRA requires a total of five public hearings. During the final public hearing, the board will decide whether to change to by-division elections and the boundaries of any such divisions.

In accordance with the resolution, the

board of directors conducted the first of five public hearings on June 11. When the results of the 2020 United States Census are released, the four additional CVRA hearings are to be conducted in 2021, with the final hearing on or before Oct. 31, 2021, when an ordinance establishing the director election division boundaries is expected to be adopted. Under the settlement, deadlines will be flexible to allow for unknown limitations on public hearings due to COVID-19.

As for the 2020 election, voters in the district’s service area, which includes the communities of Dana Point, South Laguna Beach, and areas of San Clemente and San Juan Capistrano, will select three directors from five qualified candidates.

Incumbent Director Rick Erkeneff, a Dana Point resident and vice chairman of the South Orange County Chapter of Surfrider Foundation, is running for reelection.

“As SCWD Vice President, I have worked with our directors and staff to prioritize repair and maintenance of aging infrastructure through cost-effective solutions,” Erkeneff said in his statement. “I support the continued study of the viability of environmentally sensitive, responsible ocean desalination. My leadership has been evident through my voting record, and I will continue the path forward, helping our community navigate future drought and shrinking water supply issues.”

Incumbent Director Douglas Erdman,

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a civil engineer, is also seeking reelection. According to his statement, he aims to maintain SCWD’s infrastructure and deliver quality water and sewer services while being mindful of the customer’s pocketbook.

“SCWD has several ongoing projects that would require a significant investment and directly impact the amount you pay for water and sewer services,” Erdman said.

“Some of these projects may have alternatives that could accomplish the same goals more efficiently with reduced costs.”

SCWD is currently pursuing the proposed Doheny Desalination Project in Dana Point. The project would cost $120 million, and the agency is currently struggling to garner partnerships to absorb the costs. If implemented, the Doheny Ocean Desalination Project would provide locally controlled water supply. Currently, SCWD imports 85-100% of its drinking water, causing vulnerability during droughts, supply shortages and potentially during natural disasters.

A third incumbent director, Wayne Rayfield, will also appear on the ballot.

Rayfield is a retired engineer who is seeking to “build upon the work” that has been done and to continue fostering cost-saving partnerships with other agencies.

“As we face the financial issues that the pandemic has created for many of us, I pledge to you that I will be extra diligent as we seek increased efficiencies and continue to ensure that every expense is necessary and cost-effective,” Rayfield said. “We must also continue our efforts to protect our environment and expand the use of recycled water wherever possible.”

Scott Goldman, an environmental engineer, echoes the importance of partnering with neighboring agencies.

“My goals as a SCWD Director will be to assist the District, maintain existing infrastructure and to further ‘drought-proof’ supplies where it makes economic sense,” Goldman said in his campaign statement. “My established relationships with management and directors of surrounding agencies, and thorough understanding of the issues, will benefit the District and its rate payers.”

Markus Lenger, the fifth candidate to appear on the ballot, is a nine-year resident of Capistrano Beach and 29-year resident of South Orange County. He is the founder of CleanBlu, a company focused on water reuse solutions.

“I am disturbed by the relentless pursuit of a single ‘solution’—a prohibitively expensive, power-guzzling desalination plant dependent on untried technology,” Lenger said. “The key to robust solutions is thoughtful consideration, independent analysis and an unbiased peer review of all practical, right-sized alternatives.”

A sixth candidate, Deborah Johnson, indicated her intent to run, but according to Orange County Registrar’s filing log, she did not qualify to appear on the ballot.

Voters will determine who will fill the at-large seats on November 3. danapointtimes.com